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MARY MAGDALENE 



MARY MAGDALENE 



A POEM 



MRS. RICHARD GREENOUGH 

AUTHOR OF ARABESQUES 

MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF THE ARCADIA, AND OF THE ROYAL 
ACADEMY OF ST. CECILIA, OF ROME 










BOSTON 

JAMES R. OSGOOD AND COMPANY 

1880 






Copyright, 1880, 
By SARAH D. GREENOUGH. 



TO MY HUSBAND 

I AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBE THIS POEM, 

SUGGESTED BY HIS STATUE OF 

MARY MAGDALENE 

AT THE TOMB. 



Palazzo della Congregazione, 
367 Via Nazionale, Rome. 



NOTE. 

Among the ancient Greeks and Romans, when the celestial divinities 
were invoked, the supphant stood with iipHfted arms ; in addressing the 
terrestrial deities, the arms were extended forward; and in imploring 
the infernal powers, the arms were directed downward. 



part ifir0t. 
I. 

TwAS night : upon Jerusalem the moon 

Poured her still splendours down ; the purple sky, 

Embossed with silver stars, majestic spread 

Its quivering canopy to meet the dim 

And distant circle of th' horizon's bound 

In shadowy hills, and gleaming, half-seen plains. 

The plains that wait, the hills that watch around 

The rock-clasped pomp of great Jerusalem. 

Fair rose the city from its mighty belt 

Of dark and rough-hewn walls : its palaces 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



Crowded in sculptured pride, its synagogues, 
Its storied colonnades, its myriad roofs, 
Its terraced gardens fringed with ancient trees, 
Shone glittering in the rain of lucent rays ; 
And in the midst the marvel of the land. 
The giant Golden Temple, upward soared, 
Far flashing through the stillness of the night. 



II. 

Silent the city slept, but on the verge 
Of the sheer precipice, stood glimmering white, 
'Mid slender cypresses and towering palms, 
A stately marble pile, whose pillared porch 
And wide-oped windows, all ablaze with light. 
Proclaimed the revelry that reigned within. 
It was the home of Mary Magdalene, 
The beautiful and the unholy one. 
The Magdalene, that sinful city's boast, 
The Magdalene, that sacred city's shame. 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



III. 

On this soft summer night the high-born crowd 

Which formed her customed court was gathered there : 

The thick-browed Jews with cold and cruel glance, 

And full, red lips, within whose deep curves lurked 

Sarcastic lines of brooding discontent. 

Hardening their sensuousness wuth underchord 

Of bitter, biting hate ; their ample robes 

Of purple and fine linen folded close 

Around their sinewy frames ; unheeding all 

Their ancient rules, pressed thither. Pliant Greeks, 

Vivid and mobile, panther-like in grace. 

As serpents wily and as falcons keen. 

Their chiselled features flashing with the play 

Of their astute discourse, enamelled o'er 

With apt quotation from their country's bards. 

Inwrought with sophistries, dank poison dew 

Of unbelief dark tinging every thought, 

Clustered within those flower- scented halls. 



MAJi Y MA GDALENE. 



In gay-fringed robes draped with well-studied art, 
Their golden circlets gleaming on their arms, 
Their dainty locks perfumed with Orient spice, 
They delicately smiled, and subtly sneered 
In the sweet accents of their native tongue. 
The young patricians of imperial Rome, 
Their haughty heads set on unbending necks, 
Their very courtesy tainted with command, 
Their slowly moving eyes and level lids. 
Their swollen nostrils, and their flaccid cheeks 
TelUng the tale of drear satiety ; 
Their massive shoulders and their brawny chests 
Showing athwart the costly broidered folds 
That wrapt them in their pomp of sullen pride. 
Sought in that chosen dweUing of delight 
To turn their memories from the feasts of Rome. 

IV. 

These, her companions and her courtiers, lay 
Within her sumptuous banquet room, their forms 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



Outstretched on downy couches round the board 

Heaped high with luscious viands brought from far, 

From east and west, from north and glowing south, 

To tempt the pampered appetites they fed. 

Bright glancing wines in precious vases poured 

Their rich aromas on the tepid air, 

While round the hall huge scented torches burned. 

Their tall flames flickering in the fitful breeze 

That swayed above the city's hush of sleep. 

The smooth mosaic pavement was o'erstrewn 

With scattered flowers, jessamine and rose, 

And music stole forth ever and anon. 

Filling the pauses of the jocund talk 

With cadence mirthful or with murmurous plaint. 

V. 

High throned upon her carven ivory couch 
Upheld by golden lions, silent lay 
The Magdalene, the queen of that choice court, 
And listened, listless, to the shifting flow 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



Of sparkling jest and wit-embroidered speech ; 

But when the singers' voices thrilled the air, 

She raised her wistful lids and gazed afar 

As though her soul were stirring in its sleep, 

Nor knew the life that lapped her day by day, 

But solitary dreamed in realms apart. 

Her soft, white limbs revealed by silvery gauze 

Through which their lustrous tints like moonlight shone, 

The waves of rippling gold that crowned her small 

And languid-leaning head, her violet eyes 

That dewy swam beneath their deep-fringed lids. 

Now careless resting on her gathered guests. 

Now bent upon the flower-scattered floor; 

The rose-blush of her childlike, dimpled mouth, 

Its comers drooping with a faint distaste ; 

The witching rhythm of harmonious grace 

Controlling every youthful curve and line ; 

On these enticing charms the torches shed 

Their bright illumination ; — but not these 

Alone their radiance showed. Around that sweet 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 



And melting beauty hovered in the air 

A strange, peculiar spell, — a magic art 

Some of her courtiers deemed it, — which had might 

To set the stamp of innocence upon 

That lovely and that too beloved face. 

No brazen stare of conscious guilt confessed 

The inner aching of a shame-pierced soul, 

No glance of florid blandishment proclaimed 

The loss of all that woman holds most dear, 

No flippant laughter parted those young lips 

To echo heartless through the sumptuous hall. 

No word of plague-struck meaning dropped its taint 

Companioning the jests around her board ; 

Unlike all others of her sinful caste, 

As a white rose 'mid flaunting tulips seen, 

The far-famed Magdalene lay silent there. 

Her every beauty beaming fair revealed. 

Yet haloed by her own unconsciousness. 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



VI. 

Now as she listless dreamed, her ear was caught 
By sudden harshness in the tones of one 
Who seldom spoke, a swarthy, gray-haired Jew. 
A shadowed frown disturbed the level line 
Of her sweet brows, as the discordant voice 
Came rasping on the warm and scented air. 
" A beggarly impostor, nothing more ; 
One of the spawn of ignorance and craft 
That swarms upon us in these latter days, 
Leading the stupid multitude astray : 
Soon to be smitten by the very hands 
That now applaud, to be reviled and cursed 
By the capricious voices that to-day 
Proclaim him as the great Messiah come. 
Most fortunate the cunning villain is 
If these dear friends and followers, undeceived. 
Turn not to rend him quivering, limb from limb ; 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



Forestalling the quick day when Roman hands 
Shall mete out Roman justice to his crime." 
He seized a crystal cup and drained it dry, 
Then set it down so roughly that the tall 
And twisted stem was shivered in his grasp. 



VII. 

A youthful Roman knight, a stranger there, 
Who was in act of raising to his lips 
A rubied nectarine from the broad vase 
Of fretted gold that stood beside his arm. 
Turned his calm look upon the hoary Jew, 
And quiet answered, "I have yet to learn 
What crime may lurk in teachings such as those 
Myself have heard from him thou thus contemn'st. 
Last week as I was travelling hither, near 
The hostel where I tarried for the night. 
This cunning villain, as thou call'st him, stood 
And taught the wondering multitude his faith. 



MAR V MA GDALENE. 



As in the hostel not a soul was left, 
But all had crowded thither, I too went 
To see what novel folly moved them thus. 
I stood and listened. Cavil as thou wilt, 
He spoke as never mortal spoke before ! " 



VIII. 

A burst of laughter loud its greeting gave 
To the young Roman's words. The elder knight 
Who had companioned there his kinsman, bent 
His mocking gaze upon him, and besought 
He would not stint such unaccustomed fare, 
But generously share with all the guests 
The wondrous teachings of this latest fool. 
With haughty glanCe the young patrician scanned 
The eager, jeering faces round the board. 
And slow replied, " I doubt me if the words 
This peasant spoke, could find an entrance here. 
He told of truth and purity and good : 



MAR V ATA GDALENE. 



He taught God is a spirit, and as such 
Must worshipped be in spirit, and in Hfe 
Of noble deeds, of love from man to man ; 
Counting no cost too great to win that pearl 
Of price, the spirit's holiness." He paused 
And looked around upon the silent throng. 

IX. 

His circling glance fell on the Magdalene. 
Half raised upon her rounded arm she leaned, 
Bent forward in a line of wavy grace ; 
Her golden head inclined to catch his words. 
Her eyes attentive fixed upon his face, 
With parted lips she listened from her couch. 
Sudden before that loveliness all thought 
Of the poor peasant faded from the mind 
Of the young Roman. " How divinely fair 
The woman is ! No marvel that her fame 
Has passed the far gates of imperial Rome. 
How exquisite her posture ! What delight 



MAR V MAGDALENE. 



To lavish kisses on those deep-fringed Uds !" 
But as he speechless gazed, her eyes looked forth 
Mutely imploring, and her low voice came 
With mild entreaty, "Probus, is there more?" 
And with the instant habit of command 
Learned from his Stoic tutor, pressing down 
The quick desires high-foaming in his heart, 
Obedient to her will, he spoke again. 

" The people thronged about him as he taught. 
And listened stirless ; while the slow tears ran 
Down many a rugged cheek, and women sobbed 
When he, uplifting both his arms, thus cried ; 

* Oh ye, my weary ones, behold your rest ! 
Lay down your burden, lay it on my neck, 
And I will bear it for you. Cast aside 
Your sins : learn love and holiness and peace !*" 
The stranger ceased. For some brief moments' space 
An unaccustomed silence brooded round ; 
Then, as if shaking off unwelcome thought, ' 
Gay jest and jocund laughter reigned anew. 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 13 

X. 

As one who hearkens wondering to some strain 
Of novel harmonies, nor can descry 
The fulness of the meaning of those sweet 
Far-reaching modulations, but perplexed 
And baffled, seeks in vain to seize some clue 
To guide him through their beauteous labyrinth, 
The Magdalene had listened to the words 
Of the young knight ; and now, neglected all 
Her customed court of ardent worshippers, 
Soft as a snowflake from her couch she slid, 
And o'er the rose-strewn pavement gliding slow, 
In silence vanished through the sculptured door. 

XI. 

Across the threshold of her chamber passed 
The Magdalene with inward look intent, 
Nor stayed her onward step, nor glanced upon 
The flower-crowned altar and the marble form 



14 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

Of Aphrodite smiling from her niche, 
The silver bed by laughing loves upheld, 
Thick strewn with rose leaves its cerulean folds. 
The alabaster vases in whose cups 
Their perfumed lamps were burning to diffuse 
A dreamy twilight through the softened room ; 
These she passed by unheeding, and toward 
The broad and open balcony moved on, 
And there she paused. Below, the garden lay. 
And from above the quiet moon shone down. 
But on the lovely brow of Magdalene 
Hovered a strange unrest. With clasped hands 
She stood and gazed upon the shades beneath, 
Then turned her deep look upward to the skies, 
While new and vague emotions trembled o'er 
The fair, transparent mirror of her face. 

XII. 

Vainly she sought to read the meaning right 
Of that strange tale the Roman knight had told. 



MAR V MA GDALENE. IS 

Like to a wandering wave-borne leaf, her thought 

Lay floating helpless on the heaving sea 

Before her untaught powers, till fatigue 

Vanquished her wavering efforts, and she turned 

To rest her mind upon the well-known past. 

Her childish life rose up before her, far 

By the blue waves of the Corinthian gulf, 

Her gentle mother in their cottage home 

Beneath the vine-clad hill, her father's voice 

Of greeting glad, when from his vessel's side 

He called his welcome to them as they stood 

And laughed for joy to see his face again, — 

That alien Jewish father with his name 

Bameh of Magdala. And then she saw 

Her youthful mother dying, and again 

She heard her mournful wail, " My precious one ! 

Ah woe is me, thou art so beautiful !" 

And then she saw the white-robed priests who came. 

Her mother dead, and carried her away 

Unto the gorgeous temple glittering fair 



l6 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

With sculptures, glowing with resplendent hues 

On its rich-pictured walls. There wealth of flowers 

Made odorous the air that pulsed beneath 

The weight melodious of sweet songs breathed forth 

By fresh young voices, hymning high the praise 

Of foam-born Aphrodite ; while the porch 

Stood widely open to invite the crowd 

Of worshippers who changeful filled the fane, 

Bringing rich gifts in joyous homage laid 

Upon the hundred altars that between 

The shining ranks of leafy columns white 

Stood ready to receive their offerings. 

XIII. 

There had she passed her days of early youth, 
There learned to chant the ringing odes of praise, 
To strike the sounding cithern, and to weave 
The graceful circles of the mystic dance 
That daily imaged to the fringing crowd 
The worship of the goddess whom she served. 



3fA R V MA GDALENE. 1 7 

There had she lived, caressed and praised by all 
Who ministered beneath the temple roof, 
Proclaimed the favourite priestess of the shrine ; 
While gifts more costly than all others brought 
Were laid upon the altars by the hands 
Of those whose lips pressed kisses on her feet. 



XIV. 

Till that dread day when, bursting through the crowd 

Of wine-flushed votaries and flower-crowned priests 

Around her as she led the mystic dance, 

Her father, long unseen, had made his way, 

And seized her by the arm, and impious words 

Dishonouring the deity, had shrieked. 

And then the tumult and the angry cries 

And threatening gestures, that had made her swoon 

Upon the floor with chill and anguished fright 

And then again she saw the haggard face 

Of that dear father as he bent above 
c 



i8 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

Her couch that night and whispered, " Come with me, 
My daughter ; flee from this accursed place 
And come with me !" Again she followed on 
Through the dark corridors and vacant halls, 
Until they stood without ; then made their way 
Unto the rocking boat that bore them thence 
Across the waves. Again she saw his face 
Show white and ghastly in the early dawn. 
Poison had tipped the dagger's point which deep 
Into his side had pierced in that fierce fray 
With Aphrodite's raging priests ; and thus 
He died, imploring with his latest breath 
That to Judea she would flee, nor make 
Again her home within those temple walls 
Whence he had ransomed her at well spent cost 
Of his own life. 

XV. 

Why did her father loathe 
And dread that gorgeous temple where eacli day 



MARY MAGDALENE. 19 

Passed in rejoicing dances, and in song? 

Why did he call the priests accursed who taught 

Her and her young companions how to please ? 

Sacred was Aphrodite. Were not all 

Her high behests to be obeyed with joy ? 

And yet her father had blasphemed that name 

With words of direst hatred. — Then he held 

Another faith ; — perchance his faith was true ! 

What was that faith ? How should she know the truth ? 

And he, this peasant teacher, he whose words 

Had stirred such vague disquiet in her mind, 

What did he mean when he besought that throng 

To seek for love and holiness and peace ? 

Surely he meant some other love from that 

Which had been taught her in the far-off fane. 

And holiness — the word she did not know — 

And peace, oh yes, she could imagine peace. 

It must be that she longed for, but in vain. 

Anew the misty veil of troubled thought 

Floated across her youthful face, anew 



20 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

She gazed up to the distant sky, as though 
Seeking its answer to her questionings. 

XVI. 

At length she turned and called to her the guard 
Who kept his watch beside her chamber door, 
And forth upon the terrace came the form 
Of a tall Nubian slave. His ebon chest 
And sinewy arms dark shone like polished bronze. 
His yellow vest was cinctured with broad gold, 
A short two-edged sword beside him hung ; 
And in a leash of twisted silver led, 
A tawny hunting leopard flecked with black, 
Followed with head low bent and stealthy tread. 
" Go to the stranger Probus : say to him 
That I await him here." The slave passed thence 
With homage reverential ; and again 
The Magdalene gazed upward to the sky 
And softly whispered, " holiness and peace !" 



MARY MAGDALENE. 



XVII. 

A step impatient crossed the chamber floor, 

And close beside her stood the Roman knight, 

Flushed and expectant. Eagerl)'; he caught 

Her hand, and on its yielding velvet pressed 

His hurried kisses. Gently from his clasp 

The hand was drawn, and her calm voice outbreathed, 

'* Not so, O Probus ; not for this I called 
Thee to my side. To-night I worship not, 
Nor honour Aphrodite. I would ask 
Of thee alone, if thou canst answer me. 
Some question that myself I cannot solve." 

" Speak, beauteous one," thus Probus, " speak, and I 
Will answer as I may thy questionings ; 
But say not that to-night thou wilt not pay 
Due homage to the goddess !" And his look 
Scanned the young charms that lay beneath her robe 
Of silvery gauze, and revelled in the sight. 



MAR Y MAGDALENE. 



" Words thou hast spoken that disturb my breast," 
She slowly answered, "and I fain would learn 
The meaning that they hold. I know of peace 
In part, not wholly ; but, what is that love 
Of which the peasant told them ? I was taught 
In the Corinthian fane, 'twas love to fill 
The cup of joy to all who yearned to taste. 
But this he cannot mean. That cup of joy 
Grows heavy in my hands, my shrinking lips 
Are weary of its taste. It gives no peace. 
And holiness — how sweet the word — I know 
Its meaning not, but yet I love the sound : 
Tell me, O Probus, what is holiness?" 



XVIII. 

A mocking flicker gleamed within the eyes 

Of the young knight. " Oh thou fair cozening snake !" 

He mentally exclaimed, " how deep the art 

They taught thee in bright Corinth !" Then he spoke, 



AfJJ? y MA GDALENE. 23 

His proud lip curving with sarcastic scorn. 
" It is a Jewish word, a Jewish thing, 
Unmeet for such warm lips as these, unfit 
For harbour in this soft and snowy breast. 
The priests in gladsome Corinth taught thee well. 
Thou hast no need for other faith than this, 
To scatter pleasure where thy light feet tread, 
To joy in all that life and youth can give. 
To worship Venus, and due honour pay 
To all her voice proclaims as fair and good." 
He closer drew, and round her supple form 
He clasped his nervous arm. She heeded not. 
But gazed afar with wistful dreamy eyes. 
The night wind brought the odours from below, 
Faint and delicious, an enchanted hush 
Deep wrapt the sleeping garden. Bending down 
His head, he looked into her moonlit face ; 
And as he looked, he saw her rose-lips move, 
And heard her murmur, " holiness and peace ! " 



24 MAR V MA GDALENE. 



XIX. 

" O Magdalene, my lovely one," he prayed, 
" Hast thou no word, no look to give to me ? 
Thou needest not these arts of coy delay. 
See how the flowers gently droop their heads, 
And rest upon each other in sweet sleep ; 
See how the moonlight's silvery kiss is prest 
Upon the tender grass and bending shrubs ; 
See, all invites to love ! Behold, I sue 
E'en at thy feet — I never knelt before, 
My Magdalene, fill up to me the cup. 
The mantling cup of joy : delay no more !" 
Sadly she turned her golden head and looked 
On the impassioned suitor at her feet. 
" Probus," she said, " thou art not like to those 
Who crowd around me in Jerusalem. 
I felt a new and potent strength within 
Thy words to-night when, braving the rude scorn 
Of my ill-mannered guests, thou didst unfold 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 2$ 

Strange doctrines spoken by that peasant poor. 

Behold, I have no friend. I dimly feel 

There is a something better than this life 

Which I have led till now. A vague unrest 

Torments me, and faint whisperings in the air 

Come to disquiet me with shadowy hopes 

And painful thrilling fears. Something there is 

That lies beyond the circle of my days. 

My faith was not my father's faith, for he 

Abhorred great Aphrodite. How shall I, 

O Probus, search the mystery within 

My breast ? How learn what the unknown may be 

That calls me with its half-heard tones, and stirs 

Such longing and disquiet in my heart?" 

XX. 

As the pure voice its low complaining spoke, 
Made eloquent by earnest pleading eyes. 
Sincere and truthful, through the knight there sped 
A dart of keen conviction. This was truth ! 



26 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

No artful weaving of a shameless net 

To snare him more securely in her toils. 

His mind, well trained in the great schools of Greece, 

Could follow in its course her troubled thought. 

Within the fam6d hetaira's breast he found 

A blind and struggling soul that vainly longed 

For light, for truth. And with this thought there 

came 
A rush of tenderness within his heart, 
Tempering the sensual fire that had burned 
At sight of her, unsoftened until now. 
All that was best and noblest in him drew 
With sudden impulse toward that lovely one, 
So sinful and so sinless ! To possess 
Her love became the hunger of his heart. 
"Say, Probus, canst thou help?" With hands out- 
stretched, 
Her sweet face anxiously she bent on him, 
As one who pleads for a most precious boon. 



3IAR V MA GDALENE. 27 



XXL 

He rose, and mastering his throbbing will, 
Calmly he spoke. " Yes, Magdalene, I know 
All thou dost seek to learn." — A flash of joy 
With quick irradiation lit her look. — ■ 
" O child, thou deemest thou hast learnt the lore 
Of love, for so those false priests taught thee ; but 
Love's secret lies beyond. Not joy of sense 
Alone is love : love is that finer thought 
That does inform the deeper soul of man 
With keen desire for another soul, 
In which its hunger for the beautiful 
Shall find at last its sweet and longed-for food. 
Such is the love thou needest, Magdalene. 
E'en as thy form, thy soul is beautiful ; 
It craves for union with another soul, 
And solitary mourns its lonely lot. 
Listen, beloved one, and I will teach 
A deeper lore than any thou hast learnt. 



28 MA/?V RfA GDALENE. 

Give to my soul thine own, and thou shalt know 
What the great gods' best gift to man has been. 
The still closed petals of thy heart shall ope 
As flowers open to the sun's soft light. 
The vague disquiet of thy breast shall melt 
As clouds of night before day's tender dawn. 
Come to my arms ; there shalt thou find thy rest, 
Thy every hope, thy every dream fulfilled ! " 
Earnest his deep tones thrilled upon the air, 
Fervent the look he bent upon her face. 
She stilly spoke ; " But, Probus, I would learn 
Of holiness : thou teachest but of love ! " 

XXII. 

A sudden whirl of burning passion swept 
Throughout his frame. He smote upon his brow 
With his clenched hand. " Thrice cursbd fool was I 
To tell thee of this prating Nazarene ! 
What are his words to thee ? Thou know'st not him, 
Nor ever will know. That man loves thee not : 



MAR V MA GDALENE. 29 

He cannot love thee, being what thou art. 

The hohness thou seekest is a bar 

For ever raised between thy soul and his. 

But I — I love thee, branded as thou art 

By pious scorn : I love thee, Magdalene ! 

Give me thy love, and I will bear thee hence, 

And 'mid the splendours of imperial Rome 

Will live for thee, will love but thee alone ! " 

He caught her in his eager arms, and pressed 

Devouring kisses on her rippling hair, 

Her brow, her cheek, her lips. With faint, low cry 

She tore herself away, and through the gloom 

Fled like a shadowy vision from his view. 

xxni. 

Silent he stood. The great veins in his throat 
Sent crowding currents to his surging brain. 
The moonlight streamed upon the grassy lawns, 
A bird sang softly in the midnight hush, 
A faint breeze stirred the branches of the trees. 



30 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

Slowly his calm returned. A bitter smile 

Wreathed his stern lips. " A whim, a passing whim !" 

He sneering muttered. " She is like her kind. 

As clouds upon the wind-tormented sky 

Their fancies come and go. — She pines for Greece. 

An alien in this harsh, barbaric land, 

She longs again for Corinth, and the gay 

And flower-scented pleasures of her days 

In that, her early home. — It were as wise 

To plant an acorn in a fountain's cup. 

And look to see it grow, as to believe 

This change from all she has been, to a life 

That deals with problems such as these her sick 

And yearning fancy broods on to my cost. 

But she will change again ; and I can wait. 

No Vestal art thou, Mary Magdalene ! " 



I. 

The sun shone bright on great Jerusalem 

Proud towering from the plain. Toward her gates, 

Covering the winding roads and hill-side paths, 

Came crowding on a mighty multitude. 

The Passover with solemn summons called 

All pious Jews within those sacred walls, 

There to rejoice together that the Lord 

Had smitten down their cruel enemy 

In ancient times ; had wrung old Egypt's heart 

With anguish for the death of its best loved. 



32 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

And so had set his chosen people free ! 
Gray-headed sires leaning on their staves, 
And little children with short tottering steps, 
And stalwart fathers with their sun-browned wives, 
Their youthful daughters and their hardy sons, 
Each bearing wallet or some scanty scrip, 
Or leading fleecy lamblings for the feast ; 
Toiled on toward the consecrated gates. 
Broad, heavy chariots, drawn by oxen dight 
With gaudy trappings, leaning wide apart, 
Patient, with plodding tread, pursued their path j 
And covered litters curtained close, upborne 
By half-stripped forms of panting servants, blocked 
The life-encumbered ways ; while horsemen wound 
Amid the journeying throngs, and frequent droves 
Of the meek beasts foredoomed to sacrifice, 
And camels turning vicious, sidelong looks, 
Their tall necks rising high above the crowd, 
Their round humps laden with vast wicker crates 
Holding the terrified and heaped-up doves 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 33 

That rigid Jewish rites demanded, mixed 

In one inextricable mass beneath 

The frowning city walls. Still on they poured 

From morn till low the sun began to sink, 

And scattered grew the groups, and faint the sounds 

That had throughout the long day beat the air. 

II. 

' But then came hurrying to the gate that looked 
Toward Bethany dark nestling 'neath its trees, 
Fleet messengers who, breathless entering, spread 
Their tidings through the city. On the hill 
Appeared a serried mass ; and from the gate 
Outburst in crowding waves a multitude, 
With joyous cries and high uplifted palms 
Their greeting greenly waving. Nearer came 
The dense procession through the sunset sheen ; 
And shouts of triumph rang, and chanted song, 

" Hosanna to the Son of David, King ! 
Hosanna to the great Messiah, come 



34 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

To save God's chosen people, and to lead 
Them forth to victory !" And as they drew 
Closer, the dark mass opened, and was seen 
One riding on a meek and snow-white ass 
Which gently trode along the green-strewn way 
As though it loved the burden that it bore. 
And as the multitude, come forth to meet 
Their great Messiah, gazed upon that One, 
A look of reverent wonder slowly fell 
Upon all faces, with accordant awe. 

III. 
Clad in a robe of coarse and dark-hued wool 
Girded about him with a leathern cord, 
Upon his feet rough sandals, travel worn, 
The Jewish Prophet looked a Heaven-bom King ! 
Calm on his smooth, broad brow, command sate throned, 
His clear, full opened eye with powerful glance 
Seemed through the secrets of each heart to pierce 
With vision supematurally keen. 



MAR V MA GDALENE. 35 

Yet filled with a compassion all divine. 

Supremest peace its stamp sublime had pressed 

On those firm-moulded lips, which wordless breathed 

The inspiration of immortal love. 

A solemn joy, an awful tenderness 

Rayed forth from that still face ; while silence spread 

A pulsing hush around him, as the waves 

Of human life, wide parting, swayed aside 

In act of homage, as the Prophet came. 

IV. 
Beneath a shadowy olive tree beside 
The crowded way, there stood a sight full fair, 
Which on another day had drawn the gaze 
Of all the curious crowd ; yet now unmarked. 
Close guarded by a band of armed slaves. 
Their scarlet tunics blazing in the sun, 
A sumptuous litter carved with rarest skill, 
Mother of pearl and gold, upon the necks 
Of its strong bearers rested. On its height 



36 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

Of rosy, pearl-embroidered cushions lay 

The graceful form of Mary Magdalene, 

Daintily sheltered from the westering rays 

By canopy of peacock feathers wove, 

Clad in pale azure robes of Grecian fold, 

Whence gleamed her snow-white arms and jewelled feet, 

And crowned with wreathing braids of golden hair. 

V. 

Since that first day when on her listening ear 
Had come the tidings of the lowly One 
Who taught the people doctrines strange and new, 
And promised to the weary-hearted, rest ; 
She had with constant effort sought to know 
More of this latest Prophet. When each night 
; Around her costly banquet gathered all 
Her wonted court, attentively she bent 
Her hearing to each word that spoke of him. 
And day by day more constantly her guests 
Of this new Teacher told. With bitter scorn 



AfAR V MA GDALENE. 37 

The Pharisees reproached his unbeHef 
Of all their law held sacred ; called him brand 
Of hell-fire cast within their temple walls, 
Which, not extinguished, would consume them all 
In the destruction of their ancient faith. 
The mocking Greeks sneered at his lofty aim 
To curb the headstrong impulses of man, 
Holding a standard up which gods themselves 
Might well despair of reaching. Romans smiled '. 
In cold contempt as at an alien feud 
Betwixt two parties in a subject state. 
Which they could crush at will. But no one spoke 
Such words as Probus, since unseen, had said 
When he, that Teacher's words repeating, filled 
Her heart with wistful thoughts. Then summoning 
The trustiest of her slaves, the Nubian, 
She sent him forth to seek among the throngs 
Crowding the temple and each market-place, 
For tidings of that One. And he brought back 
Stories most strange. The blind beheld the light 



38 MARY MA GDALENE. 

At his command, the fevered sick were healed, 
The life-long palsied stood upon their feet, 
And at his word the buried dead arose ! 

VI. 
She bade him back to ask if Jesus were 
Mild, gentle in his tones, compassionate 
Of visage ; whether hate and scorn for those 
Who knew him not abode within his breast. 
For since the scathing words of Probus fell 
Upon her ear, her timid heart had failed 
Beneath the burden of a formless fear. 
" Why was it that this Prophet would not deign 
To give to her the love he taught that man 
Owed to his fellow-man ? What was the bar 
That holiness had raised for aye between 
His soul and hers ? And what that holiness ? 
And why for ever ? What did Probus know 
About the life beyond the dreadful Styx ? 
In the Elysian fields perchance her soul 



MARY MAGDALENE. 39 

Might meet with his o'er plains of asphodel 
Slow gliding on, with light immortal crowned : 
And he might look on her, and might caress 
With gentle hand her lowly bended head ; 
Might smile upon her in that spirit land 
Within whose bounds no shadowy bar might be !" 

VII. 

Then from his quest the messenger returned. 
" The Prophet hated and contemned alone 
The Pharisees and hypocrites who robbed 
Widows and orphans of their scanty crust. 
Pretexting tribute for the temple, where 
The Scribes sate, vexing sore the patient poor 
With imposts heavy and most hard to bear. 
On these he poured forth fierce, indignant scorn, 
And scourged with wrathful words until they slunk 
Silently cowering thence like beaten hounds, 
But to all others he was ever mild. 
He fed the hungry who around him stood 



40 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

Forgetful of their need, the while they hung 
Upon his words j he pitied all who mourned. 
He called young children to him, on his knees 
He held their wondering forms, and bade his friends 
Learn of their meekness and their purity ; 
Warning them as those children to become 
If they would enter that great kingdom's gates 
Whereof he came to tell." — She sate in thought. — 
" Then purity was there ; a child was pure 
Leading its childlike life. Her life was not 
Like to a child's life of unconscious days. 
Could purity and holiness be one?" 

vni. 

And so she dwelt in silent questionings. 

A spiritual hunger daily grew 

Within her breast, a longing vast and vague ; 

An aspiration to a something high 

Above all she had known ; until this day 

Her slave had tidings brought that e'er the night 



MAR V MA GDALENE. 41 

Jesus of Nazareth, the Prophet, would 
Enter the walls of great Jerusalem. 
And she had thither come, and waited long, 
Fearing to lose her timorous hope, to see 
The Prophet as he passed upon his way 
Unnoting her, who smitten with the dread 
That seeing her and hating her were one, 
Because of that strange holiness which raised 
Its unknown bar between her soul and his, 
Lay in her pomp of beauty, with her heart 
Fast beating 'neath her gorgeous canopy. 

IX. 

At last the Nubian, from the hillock where 
He stood and watched, came hurrying to her side. 
" Behold, he comes !" And moving hastily 
She knelt upon her litter, raised above 
The surging crowd, amid the tossing boughs 
Of feathery palms. Her eager eyes she bent 
Upon the coming form. Her hands she clasped 



42 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

Above her bosom, seeking to hold down 
Its quick, tumultuous throbbings. And he saw ! 
Jesus of Nazareth saw the Magdalene ! 
The eye that loved the beauty of the flowers 
Rested upon that flower-like face. His look, 
Piercing and puissant, clove that pearly breast 
And saw the struggling human soul within 
That blindly yearned for purity and love. 
He saw her past, he knew her as she was, 
And a divine compassion stirred his heart. 
A look of mournful pity gave response 
To her imploring eyes. So passed he on, 
And the great multitude closed round his form 
And followed him toward the city gate. 

X. 

She did not weep, she did not cowering hide 
Her face within her hands as she had feared 
To do, remembering Probus' cruel words. 
Beneath the Prophet's look of stern rebuke. 



MA J? V MA GDALENE. 43 

A strength undreamed of, from the Saviour's gaze 
Flowed in upon her heart. She felt a new 
Transforming power move within her soul, 
Which drew her on she knew not how, yet felt 
That she must follow the great Prophet's steps : 
There was the answer to her questionings ! 
But as her servants turned to bear her thence 
From 'neath the shadowy olive, and she bent 
Her lingering glance upon the green-strewn way 
Where she the form of Jesus had beheld, 
His look of mournful meaning smote upon 
Her memory with sudden, vivid flash. 
" What had those godlike eyes descried in her 
That brought such depth of pity to their gaze ? 
Had not the priests oft told her she was fair, 
Fairest of Aphrodite's favourites ? 
Had she not all that life and youth could give ? 
What did she lack ? And yet he pitied her ! 
Had that all-piercing ken beheld the bar 
Raised by that mystic holiness ? What was 



44 MAJ^y MA GDA LENE. 

That haunting holiness ? It was perchance 

Something she yet might win !" And gladdening hope 

Rose in the bosom of the Magdalene, 

Sweet mingling with the deep and forceful want 

That filled her soul with its imperious need, 

As 'mid the hurrying of the eager crowd 

Toward the massy gate she followed 'neath 

Her canopy slow waving to and fro 

In cadence with her bearers' measured tread, 

While far above, the golden sunset sky 

Bright with a radiance of new beauty shone. 

XL 

And so they bore her to her stately home. 

White gleaming 'mid its deep embowered shade 

Of graceful cypresses and tufted palms. 

As in a dream, she crossed the echoing hall 

Circled by statues with unsleeping life. 

And half unconsciously, she glided on 

Across the polished floors of precious stone 



MA^Y MAGDALENE. 45 

Which mirrored her fair form and azure robes, 
Until she neared the rich embroidered folds 
That curtained deep her guarded chamber door. 
But there she seemed to wake. Abrupt she paused, 
Sudden drew back, and with a sign forbade 
The waiting slave who ready stood to part 
Those draperies ; then turning to a stair 
That upward led to the broad terraced roof. 
She sought the solitude and stillness where, 
Uplifted o'er the city's hum of life. 
Fragrant and hushed, a little garden lay. 
Beneath its sheltering vault high arched from shafts 
Of slender, sculptured stone, a fountain played 
That tossed its diamond sparkles in the air, 
Besprinkling dew upon the quivering shrubs 
And starry flowers that around it bent. 
This was her favourite haunt, here would she muse 
Long, silent hours by the cool fountain's brink, 
With vibrant touch her ivory lyre would sound, 
And sing the odes learnt in a far-off land. 



46 MARY MA GDALENE. 

XII. 

Soon as her sandalled feet had pressed the moss 

That carpeted that high, secluded spot, 

To meet her coming a gazelle sprang forth, 

Its liquid eyes with welcome shining bright, 

While from the latticed cages placed around 

Arose a joyous tumult of glad calls, 

And sound of fluttering wings' impatient beat, 

As all the little minstrels sought to catch 

The gentle eye and ear of her they loved. 

Their love was precious to her thirsting heart. 

Forlorn and lonely in its gilded lot ; 

It had the power to win her from the thoughts 

Rising in new-born majesty within 

Her dimly wakening soul. With childlike smile 

She oped their tiny gates : they circled round 

The golden tresses of her graceful head, 

Then perched upon her dimpled shoulders bare, 

And nestled in her soft enfolding arms. 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 47 

Until their evening greeting was fulfilled, 
And in their airy homes they peaceful slept. 
While she, reclining on a marble chair, 
Her smooth cheek resting on her velvet hand, 
The shy gazelle close couching by her side, 
Leaned, gazing forth upon the deepening sky 
With eyes that saw alone the Master's face. 
Her past had faded utterly away, 
And of the present knew she only this, 
That Jesus silent called her life to him 
With summons inarticulate, yet deep 
Resounding in her soul. 

xin. 

A light step broke 
The silence, and a fair Athenian boy 
With garland decked, advanced and bending low 
Craved humbly that the banquet might no more 
Await her coming ; for her lordly guests 
Impatient of her absence, marvelled loud, 



MAI?y MAGDALENE. 



No greeting from their hostess to receive. 

Slow to her feet she rose, and gazed around 

As seeking for the sense of words that strange 

And void of meaning sounded on her ear. 

Then through her frame a deep, long shiver ran : 

The Prophet's face had vanished, and she was 

Again that Mary, called the Magdalene. 

But 'neath that consciousness she felt a will 

That stronger than her own, constrained her words, 

Charging her servants with attentive care 

And courtesy to minister unto 

Her guests, while she in solitude remained. 

In wondering thought the graceful Grecian youth 

Turned on his errand. As his lithe form passed 

Noiseless away, she called her constant guard, 

The gold-girt Nubian, and mission gave 

To learn where Jesus tarried for the night. 

One only thought she had, to seek for him. 

A strange mysterious instinct bore her on. 

Awful yet sweet compulsion of her soul. 



MAR V MA CDALENE. 49 



XIV. 

As the moon rose, through a dark postern gate, 

Leaving the sound of revelry and song 

That from within her flower-strewn banquet hall 

Streamed loud and fitful, forth the Magdalene, 

Close followed by a band of armbd slaves 

Led by the Nubian, passed into the gloom 

That wrapt the city's bound. A shrouding veil 

Concealed her golden hair and vesture rich. 

The tender feet that ne'er before had trode 

The common street, now meekly tracked their way 

Across the broken and disjointed paths 

That led her at the last unto a long 

And lowly building raised against the wall, 

Hard by the space where the Great Temple reared 

Its shining roof into the moonlit sky. 

But all was hushed and still : the close-barred gate 

And narrow windows blank and stirless showed 



50 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

In that mute hour. Entrance she dared not crave. 

What claim had she to urge importunate 

Her unknown presence on that wondrous One, 

The Jewish Prophet-King ? With throbbing breast 

She stood incredulous. It could not be 

That she had sought in vain 1 That inner voice 

Which called her forth, no mockery had proved ! 

It was no daemon summons from the dread 

And shivering confines of the nether world 

Had lured her from her home 1 But as still lapsed 

The leaden moments, and no sound within 

Gave witness of the presence of that One 

Whose pitying glance she came once more to meet, 

A bitter wave of disappointment chill 

Rose and benumbed her heart Her yearning hopes, 

Quivering and bruised, sank down : their life died out 

In sharp and shuddering pain. A dumb despair 

Crept, crushing every struggling thought within. 

Anguished she turned her faint, reluctant steps 

To leave the lonely and deserted spot. 



MARY MA GDALENE. 5 1 

When rising softly in rich-blended tone 
Of human pathos and of heaven-born might, 
A solemn canticle of prayer and praise 
Swelled on the midnight hush. A strain it was 
Such as the listening stars have never heard 
Again since that last eve when Jesus' voice 
* Intoned the hymn his followers upraised. 
Deep and more deep the waves sonorous flowed, 
Full and more full they poured upon her ear : 
They bore her on their harmony sublime 
Upward, still upward, till amid the stars 
Her spirit seemed to float. A peace profound, 
A lofty calm, a fervent joy, instilled 
Through all her being ; and a strength undreamed, 
Mighty and forceful, held her soul within 
Its clasp majestic ; while upon her breathed 
Compassionate, a tenderness divine. 

* Matthew xxvi. 30. Mark xlv. 26. 



52 MAR Y MA GDALENE. 

XV. 
That strain unearthly set her spirit free : 
A sacred love flamed upward in her breast. 
All ignorant she stood, yet to her heart 
The gates of Heaven opened, ere her mind 
Had trode the first steps of the holy way 
Of wisdom and of truth. A portent high 
Of saving love had snatched her from the life 
She knew not how to hate. She gazed above 
With unveiled head thrown back. Her bosom heaved, 
Tears slowly welling stole adown her cheeks, 
And lifting up her arms she suppliant stood, 
Invoking silently the Unknown God. 

XVI. 
As though retiring upward to the sky, 
The sounds majestic died upon her ear, 
And silence softly sank on all around ; 
Yet still the harp-strings of her being thrilled, 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 53 

Vibrating with a new, mysterious sense, 

Sweet, awful dawning of the spirit life ! 

Solemn and bright the golden moon shone down, 

And from the starry depths a splendour gleamed 

Like distant waving of celestial wings. 

As to the alien shelter of her home, 

Her wondering soul inorbed with heavenly light, 

The Magdalene, Christ's miracle, returned. 



XVII. 

And ever from that day, where Jesus taught, 

In the still coolness of the early dawn. 

Standing within the crowded market-place 

Amid the simple country folk who brought 

The bright-hued products of their narrow lands ; 

The hardy fishermen who from the shores 

Of deep blue lakes had borne their glistening spoils ; 

The shepherds who the younglings of the flock 

Reluctantly had led from dewy meads ; 

While all, close gathered, reverently heard 



54 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

Wise speech of gentle counsel from his lips ; 
There, standing on the farthest verge, was seen 
A youthful figure wrapt in shrouding veil 
And sweeping robes of dark and shadowy fold, 
Still followed by a swarthy Nubian slave, 
Who in a silver leash a leopard led. 

XVIII. 
When in the scorching noon, beneath the shade 
Of the Great Temple's lofty portico, 
Its vistas opening into spacious courts 
Magnificent with cedar-work and gold, 
And hung with wondrous glowing draperies 
Of ruddy crimson and resplendent blue, 
Filled with the pilgrims who from morn till night 
Passed ceaselessly toward the Holy Place 
Of their stern country's fierce and ancient faith ; 
His solemn tones of urgent warning rang : 
Amid the host of scowling Pharisees 
Wearing broad-bordered garments, jealous Scribes, 



MA R V MA GDALENE. 55 

And subtle Doctors of the Law, who sought 
With cunning questions and insidious art 
To draw some fatal sentence from his lips 
Which, falsely commented, might set aflame 
The sleeping fury of the fiery Jews, 
Giving pretext to stone him where he stood ; 
There, on the border of the curious throng 
That pressed to trap him in his speech, or shrunk 
Crouching beneath his malediction stem, 
The scathing rain of his indignant words. 
Was ever seen that mute and listening form, 

XIX. 

When the cool softness of the evening fell, 

As 'mid the people Jesus walked abroad, 

And crowding round him came the helpless ones, 

The blind, the sick, the maimed, brought to his feet 

By those who loved them, that the Prophet might 

With powerful word restore them to their arms 

Made whole again, and healed of their hurt ; 



S6 MARY MA GDALENE. 

Or when he trode through dark and winding lanes, 
Through foul and noisome corners, stifling courts, 
Wherever poverty and wretchedness 
Dragged out the slow, sad torment of their days, 
And ignorance and stupid blindness wrought 
Their close-drawn web to bind the spirit's eyes, 
And untaught bigotry proclaimed the Law 
That daily ground them to the earth as just, 
And greed rapacious sought to snare the poor 
Still poorer than itself, and mourners wept 
Disconsolate alone, and conscience strove 
With choking sense of sin, and weary toil 
Sought feverish for rest ; still followed him. 
The shadow of that silent neophyte. 

XX. 

As tender mother teaches little child 
By simple story, that its feeble thought 
Along the pictured path of wisdom may 
With tottering steps be gently guided on 



MA A' V MA GDALENE. 57 

Until it reach at last the distant heights 
Whence the great sea of truth shall meet its eye ; 
So Jesus taught the people, leading on 
Their minds toward his truth by flowery ways 
Of parable, of simple, childlike tales, 
To feed the growing want that held them hushed 
Hearkening in reverence to his ministering, 
That ministry of love. The Magdalene, 
Childlike in ignorance, her thought athirst 
For that diviner knowledge which the priests 
Had never taught in her far-distant home, 
Stood earnest listening to the words that fell 
From the firm hps of Jesus. Day by day 
They sank upon her heart like blessed rain, 
Calling the secret powers that lay within 
Deep buried, forth to beauty and to life. 
And as the world of spirit to her eye 
Dawned in its dim-seen majesty of light. 
Slowly her conscience roused ; until there came, 
Supreme and awful, that awakening flash 



58 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

"When by illumination dread, distinct, 
She saw the image of that holiness 
She sought with deepest craving to behold. 
With high translated vision she discerned 
The mirror of her past, and knew herself 
The desecrated temple of a soul ! 



XXL 

Dim sank the twilight o'er the busy street 

Whereon a lordly mansion raised its front, 

The home of a rich Pharisee. A crowd 

Of humble poor stood gathered at the gate 

Waiting to see the coming forth of him 

Who all the city stirred ; for Jesus sate 

At meat within the high-bom ruler's house. 

And as they stood and watched, a youthful form, 

Shrouded and veiled, passed slow athwart the throng, 

Bearing a vase of alabaster, carved. 

And set with stones of price. She neared the gate 

And asked for entrance ; and the servants looked 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 59 

Upon the precious vase, and passage made 
For her who came with such resplendent gift. 

XXII. 
Fair was the spacious room, and graced with all 
That wealth could buy or luxury devise. 
Frescoes of Grecian art adorned the walls, 
On Roman couches richly cushioned o'er 
The guests reclined around the lavish board ; 
Silent they lay, the while their cold eyes turned 
With curious question in their haughty look 
Upon one form the ruler's place beside, 
Which rested wearily as though the day 
Of labour had its strength full sorely tried. 
Low whispering among themselves the train 
Of debtors and of bondmen passed around, 
And eager watched for word that yet might come 
From him they knew the dauntless friend of all 
The poor and the oppressed, the hated foe 
Of their relentless master and his sect. 



6o MAR Y MA GDALENE. 



XXIII. 

Awhile that shrouded form stood motionless 
Within the portal of the long-roofed hall, 
Trembling and silent ; then she forward moved * 
With faltering steps until she reached the couch 
Where Jesus lay reclined. Upon her knees 
She sank beside his feet ; her veil fell back, 
And all beheld the golden waving hair, 
The lovely face of Mary Magdalene. 
She oped the vase ; its costly perfume filled 
The spacious room ; she bent above those feet 
Fevered with loving toil. Her lips she pressed 
With timid touch upon them, and the while 
She bathed them with her warm, fast-flowing tears, 
Then wiped them with the gold of her long hair, 
Still kissing them, as if that act of love 
Were all of hope the earth contained for her. 
Then from the open vase she ointment poured 
Of priceless worth upon them, sobbing deep 



MAR Y MA GDALENE. 6i 

As one whose heart is breaking in its pain. 
And Jesus turned his eyes and saw the look 
Of scornful wonder running round the board, 
And heard the inner echo of their thoughts ; 
And spake to him, the ruler of the feast, 
" Simon, somewhat to say to thee I have." 
He coldly answered, " Master, say thou on." 

XXIV. 

Each sound was stilled, and every breath was hushed 
As Jesus raised his deep, vibrating voice 
And said, " There was a certain creditor 
Who had two debtors ; one to him did owe 
Five hundred pence, fifty the other owed : 
And seeing that they nothing had to pay. 
He freely both forgave. Now tell me which 
Of those whom he forgave will love him most?" 
The ruler answered with contemptuous smile, 
" He whom he most forgave." And Jesus said, 
" Most rightly hast thou judged." Then stretching forth 



6z MAR V MA GDALENE. 

His hand toward Magdalene, he slowly spoke ; 

" Seest thou this woman ? When within thine house 
I came, thou gav'st no water for my feet ; 
But she has washed my feet with rain of tears, 
And wiped them with her hair. No greeting kiss 
Thou gavest me ; but she has ceased not 
To kiss my feet. No oil thou brought'st to pour 
Upon my head ; but she upon my feet 
Has poured out ointment. Wherefore do I say 
Her sins, and they are many, are forgiven, 
For she has loved much." He turned and looked 
On her that was a sinner, as she knelt 
With low bowed head and golden streaming hair, 
Veiling the shame-struck anguish of her face 
From the stern gaze of hostile eyes, all bent 
Upon her shrinking form ; and in a voice 
Of tender, yearning pity, Jesus said, 

"Woman, thou art forgiven; go in peace !" 



I. 

Portentous, heavy with thick, thunderous gloom, 

Dark clouds the heavens shrouded on that day, 

When high upon his cross God's chosen One 

Was raised to die by impious hands of men. 

Against the lurid sky his head stood forth 

Crowned with sharp thorns in bitter sign of scorn. 

Those gracious hands that healed the helpless sick, 

Gave sight unto the blind, now bruised and torn, 

Were nailed with iron spikes unto the wood 

Which deep stained drank their blood. Those earnest feet 



64 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

That brought the beauty of glad tidings, pierced 
With anguished wounds, distilled slow dropping gore. 
Slowly its life was ebbing from his frame, 
Yet still that mighty heart retained its love, 
That massive brain its strength. With steadfast eyes 
Gazing above, he prayed those words divine, 
" Father, forgive : they know not what they do !" 



11. 

And at the sound the seething crowd grew still : 

The angry cries of fierce, vindictive hate, 

The mocking jeers, the scoffing taunts, were hushed. 

A chill and shuddering awe sank deep within 

Those hot and furious hearts \ a human pang 

Wrung with its unaccustomed thrill those breasts 

Of bigots and of outcasts, flocked to see 

The lingering torments of the Prophet's death ; 

And with a sudden fear they turned away, 

Smiting their breasts, and left him there alone. 



MARY MA GDALENE. 65 

III. 
A group of women on that bleak hill-side 
All through the dreadful day had stood and watched ; 
While the tumultuous surging of the crowd 
Rising and falling round that fearful cross 
Forbade them to approach. But now they came, 
PaUid and weeping, and beside his feet 
With choking sobs they took their faithful stand. 
Yet one was there who neither sobbed nor shrank, 
Favoured of God, the Mother of the Lord. 
She stood with steadfast face and look sublime : 
On her uplifted brow a lambent light 
Descended from the dark and lurid sky, 
As though her sight had pierced the deep-massed clouds, 
Cleaving a passage for celestial rays. 
Within her eyes prophetic vision spoke, 
She saw the full completion of that day. 
The Past, the Present, and the Future, kept 
Their watch beside her through those hours supreme ; 



66 MARY MA GDA LENE. 

Voices swept onward from all coming time, 

And heralded Creation's Mystery 

To her expanding soul. So stood she there, 

Uplifted glorious o'er bereavement, raised 

By inspiration high above all pain \ 

Stronger than Grief, more resolute than Death, 

The Mighty Mother of a Son Divine. 



IV. 

And with her came the ghost of Magdalene, 
For such it seemed. No tears her dry eyes shed ; 
Dilated with unutterable woe 
They straining gazed on that majestic face 
Which gave its silent greeting to his friends 
Even in that dread hour. Her pallid lips. 
Parted with horror, sent their struggling breath 
In heavy gasps ; her hands, convulsive clenched, 
Were pressed upon her forehead, as to chain 
The agony of frenzied thought within. 



MAK Y MA GDALENE. 67 

" The Saviour of mankind, God's Holy One, 
Was dying there in torture on the cross !" 
Nought else her mind could seize, nought else she knew 
Within the darkling boundaries of space. 
Each pang he felt her aching sense returned ; 
Each fainting groan that told the end was near 
Lessened the pulse within her sinking frame : 
And when his death-cry sounded on her ear, 
And he, her soul's Redeemer, bowed his head 
And breathed forth his pure life, thick darkness swept 
Its pall about her, and she senseless fell 
Prone on the stony earth, in mercy snatched 
From grief which woman never knew before. 



V. 

The anguish of the Sabbath day had throbbed 
Through its dark hours of midnight, and was come 
The first day of the week, the third from that 
Which saw the Saviour die. The early morn 
Broke o'er the garden where his form was laid 



68 MARY MA GDALENE. 

In silence, and in secrecy and tears, 
To rest from anguish in its close-sealed tomb. 
Deserted by all else, one mourner there 
Beside that rifled couch of stone kept watch, 
Weeping, while in her clasping hand she held 
The crown of thorns, the all that now remained 
To her of him. 'Twas Mary Magdalene. 
Sobbing, she prest her shuddering lips to those 
Keen points stained cruel crimson with his blood ; 
She held them to her quivering breast, nor thought 
To heed the sharp pain of their pointed darts : 
'Twas all she had of him, and he was dead ! 

VI. 

She stood and watched in the chill twilight drear. 
While hushed the garden lay in morn's repose ; 
The cold gray sky as yet revealed no sign 
Of rose clouds welcoming the burst of day. 
She stood and wept, while aching memory traced 
Her life since o'er her bended head those words 



MAN V MA GDALENE. 69 

Had sounded from his deep and pitying voice, 
" Woman, thou art forgiven ; go in peace !" 
All had she sold of that which she possessed, 
To give unto the poor. Her feet had trode 
Since then, alone the gloomy precincts where 
Disease and want stretched out their starving hands ; 
Or, following her Master's steps, had gone 
Forth 'mid his band of humble friends, to hear 
His teachings to the people. And now all 
Was ended. On the agonising cross 
Her eyes had seen him die ; her ears had heard 
His last expiring groan. He who had saved 
Her life from sin, had opened to her soul 
The way of truth and peace and holiness, 
Jesus was dead, and she was desolate ! 

VII. 

And while she wept, upon her consciousness 
A form dawned slowly, standing near to her. 
Mist-veiled by tears, her blinded eyes she turned 



70 MAR y MA GDALENE. 

Upon that form, nor knew whom she beheld. 
And the Lord spoke to her thus mourning sore ; 

" Woman, why weepest thou?" he gently said; 

" Whom seekest thou?" And still her ears the while 
Throbbing in cadence with her sobs, knew not 
The voice of him who spoke. With pleading prayer, 
Heart-broken and imploring, she replied, 

" Oh, Sir, if thou indeed have borne him hence, 
Tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will 
Take him away." And Jesus looked upon 
That loving, lovely face, and said to her, 

" Mary !" And sudden recognition came. 
The echoing heavens opened and did bow 
Themselves in light transcendent at the word ! 
In transport of thanksgiving love she kneeled, 
And reaching forth her glad, entreating hands 
Her soul sent up its worship in the cry, 

" Master, my Master !" Jesus drew not back, 
But said unto her, " Touch me not, for I 
Am not ascended to my Father's home. 



MAR V MA GDALENE. 71 

This spiritual body which thou seest 

May suffer not approach of mortal hands. — 

Now listen to my words. To thee I come. 

Thee have I chosen as my messenger. 

Thy lips shall be the first to tell mankind 

That I, Christ Jesus crucified, still live. 

Go thou from me unto my brethren. Say 

Unto them, I ascend unto my God, 

And to my Father : to your God I rise, 

And to your Father ! Go and bear my words." 

And looking on her as she knelt, her face 

Filled with the tender transport of the pure 

And sacred adoration of her heart. 

Radiant with glory borrowed from the skies. 

The Saviour's gaze breathed forth celestial love : 

Then slow dissolving into viewless air 

His form majestic vanished from her sight. 



VIII. 

And she fulfilled that sacred last behest ; 



72 MAR V MA GDALENE. 

His messenger, appointed to proelaim 

His resurrection to the waiting world. 

She bore unto the sad remorseful band 

Of those who had forsaken him, their Lord, 

His greeting of forgiving love sublime 

E'er he ascended to his God and theirs : 

And then we know no more. We know but this, 

When Jesus Christ was risen from the dead 

He first appeared to Mary Magdalene. 



THE END. 



Prvitedby R. & R. Claric, Edinhurgk. 






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